Operationalization of All-Photonic Networks (APN) - Solving Coherent Optical Pluggables in Disaggregated Environments

Recent advancements in optical pluggables, including improved power efficiencies and extended reach of coherent optical technologies, have renewed interest in IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM), where coherent optical pluggables equipped in a packet device (router, switch) function as open APN endpoints (APN-T) connected to an open line system (APN-G).

This type of deployment involves management challenges, such as determining the most suitable management architecture, including the role of the APN-C controller in managing the optical pluggables, and identifying the best management interfaces. These choices should facilitate:

End-to-end optical domain consolidation, and coordination of APN-T, APN-G, and APN-I configuration.

Consistent operational practices, whether using coherent optical pluggable APN-Ts or traditional transponders.

Consistent operational practices across different vendors and models of packet devices and pluggable APN-Ts.

This presentation examines management strategies for IPoDWDM, leveraging the work of industry forums and standardization bodies.